(rated TBD, 102 mins.)
Based on the 1978 novel by Hubert Selby Jr., Darren Aronofsky follows up his critically acclaimed “Pi”. Similar, it’s raw and frightening in a story evoking the inner landscape of human beings longing to connect, to love and feel loved, a parable of happiness gloriously found and tragically lost. In Coney Island, we follows the story of a widow, (Ellen Burstyn), her junkie son (Jared Leto), his best friend (Marlon Wayans sans his usual comedy) and his beautiful insecure girlfriend (Jennifer Connelly). Wayans and Leto concoct a plan to sell dope on the street allowing them to purchase pure heroin. Split screens and graphic details of the consequences of addiction hooked on the next fix, yet the story thrives on the incredible character Burstyn portrays of desperation and fantasy, that is certain to obtain an Oscar nod despite its horror subject matter. Connelly does a fine job following up from her ‘Waking The Dead” performance. This one will agitate as well as stun some audiences yet comes off as a worthy amazement that pushes the “going too far” envelope.
Based on the 1978 novel by Hubert Selby Jr., Darren Aronofsky follows up his critically acclaimed “Pi”. Similar, it’s raw and frightening in a story evoking the inner landscape of human beings longing to connect, to love and feel loved, a parable of happiness gloriously found and tragically lost. In Coney Island, we follows the story of a widow, (Ellen Burstyn), her junkie son (Jared Leto), his best friend (Marlon Wayans sans his usual comedy) and his beautiful insecure girlfriend (Jennifer Connelly). Wayans and Leto concoct a plan to sell dope on the street allowing them to purchase pure heroin. Split screens and graphic details of the consequences of addiction hooked on the next fix, yet the story thrives on the incredible character Burstyn portrays of desperation and fantasy, that is certain to obtain an Oscar nod despite its horror subject matter. Connelly does a fine job following up from her ‘Waking The Dead” performance. This one will agitate as well as stun some audiences yet comes off as a worthy amazement that pushes the “going too far” envelope.